SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

An article in a state newspaper accused international media outlets of faking video footage of widespread damage and exaggerating poor living conditions "with the intention of tarnishing the image" of the country formerly known as Burma, the BBC reported Friday.

The New Light of Myanmar condemned "self-seekers exploiting storm victims", for their "shooting video films featuring made-up stories in the storm-affected areas ... and sending the videotapes to foreign news agencies."

The country's military junta has been criticized for its unwillingness to accept foreign aid after the May 2 cyclone. Now military leaders allow some experts from U.N. agencies and southeast Asian countries to help victims.

Officially, 78,000 people were killed and 56,000 are missing. More than 2 million people were affected, aid agencies say.

Myanmar leaders want to prove they are in control of the relief effort and don't need massive foreign aid, observers and news correspondents told the British broadcaster. Relief agencies said they don't have the unrestricted access they need to implement fully the types of relief and reconstruction operations required.

 BREAKING STORIES

Patients may adjust allergy medicine

Thai opposition leader arrested

Two injured in Thai helicopter crash

Floods ravage areas of Thailand

Myanmar journalist released from prison

At least 14 killed by flooding in Thailand

Thaksin brother-in-law chosen Thai PM

Junta says terror groups send bombers

Aung San Suu Kyi reported on hunger strike

Thai PM says he won't quit

Writer charged with insulting Thai king

Thailand seeks Web site shutdowns

State of emergency declared in Bangkok

Thai PM vows not to resign, holds session

Protesters face riot cops in Bangkok

Protesters seize central Bangkok

Glitter denied entry to Hong Kong

Thais demand Thaksin extradition

Bush, Thai PM discuss peace, future

Killing halts 'Grand Theft' sales in Asia